DIY Shop Displays To Suit Different Shopper Types

It’s Saturday morning. A frazzled homeowner rushes in looking for a replacement tap washer. Nearby, another shopper lingers over colour charts, dreaming about a feature wall makeover. Different shoppers, different missions, and very different needs from your shop.

This is the challenge (and the opportunity) for DIY retailers today. With so many types of shoppers walking through the doors, your DIY shop display, or hardware shop display, can’t be one-size-fits-all. It has to guide, inspire and reassure, all at once.

And the stakes are high: 85% of UK consumers have purchased DIY products in the past year, and nearly half (46%) are planning home improvement projects in the next 18 months [1]. In other words, the appetite is strong, and the right in-store experience can make the difference between a quick sale and a loyal, returning customer.

"20% of shoppers say DIY stores can be hard to navigate"

The Power of the Store Environment

Despite the growth of online shopping, four-fifths of shoppers still prefer to buy items like paint and tiles in store. It makes sense; these are products people want to touch, test, and see in the right light.

Additionally, 82% of DIY shoppers explore products in store, even if they plan to purchase online. That means your displays aren’t just about immediate sales; they’re part of a wider journey that influences purchases long after a shopper leaves the building.

But there’s a challenge too: 20% of shoppers say DIY stores can be hard to navigate, and more than half have left without buying simply because they couldn’t find what they needed. That’s a huge lost opportunity. Displays, therefore, need to do more than look good. They should act as signposts, guides, and sources of inspiration.

Eight Shopper Types – And How to Catch Their Eye

Research from POPAI has mapped out eight distinct DIY shopper types. Each one has its own priorities, and each one responds differently to in-store environments.

The Emergency Fixer – They’re only here because something’s broken.

Display tip: Clear signage and grab-and-go essentials. A simple aisle-end sign holder highlighting fix-it products can save them time and frustration.

The Budget Buyer – They love a deal and hate wasting time.

Display tip: Shout about promotions and value ranges. Use durable shelf talkers and wobblers to point out multibuy offers.

The Room Refresher – They want seasonal décor tweaks and quick wins.

Display tip: Inspire them with room sets and samples. A leaflet holder with take-home paint swatches or décor guides will keep your store top of mind for their next refresh.

The Style Setter – They’re scrolling TikTok and Instagram for ideas.

Display tip: Showcase trending looks with paired products. Floorstanding sign holders displaying mood boards or QR codes to online inspiration make the connection seamless.

The Weekend Warrior – Time-poor during the week, DIYer at weekends.

Display tip: Place inspiring demos near entrances. Add countertop leaflet holders with quick project guides so they can grab and go with confidence.

The Carbon Cutter – Sustainability drives every decision.

Display tip: Use eco-labelled ranges and sustainable POS. Cardboard leaflet holders or wooden display crates reinforce the environmental message.

The DIY Pro – Experienced, loyal, and serious about quality.

Display tip: Premium displays and tool demos are key. Include sign holders with technical specs or QR codes linking to datasheets to support their decision-making.

The Trader – Professionals on a schedule, often buying for clients.

Display tip: Fast access and stock availability matter most. Stock leaflet holders at trade counters with sample cards and finish guides they can pass directly to their customers.

"Over half of shoppers have left a DIY store without making a purchase simply because they could not find what they needed" [1]

Displays That Work as Hard as Shoppers Do

DIY shoppers are diverse, but they all want one thing: a store that makes their lives easier. When over half of customers admit leaving without buying because they couldn’t find what they needed, it’s clear that effective displays and signage aren’t just nice-to-have, they’re essential.

The best DIY shop displays and hardware shop displays do three things:

Guide - helping shoppers find what they came in for.
Inspire - giving them fresh ideas for their next project.
Survive - tough enough to withstand the weekend rush.

With DIY sales forecast to grow by 16% between 2024 and 2029, the opportunity is right there on the shop floor. Retailers who understand the different shopper types (and design displays with them in mind) will not only capture sales today but build lasting relationships with the DIYers of tomorrow.